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Seiko Turtle Diver (Ref. 6306-7000) "JDM", 1976 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Seiko Turtle Diver (Ref. 6306-7000) "JDM", 1976

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Seiko (maker)
Date
1976
Country of origin
Japan
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 45 mm
Stock no.
SKO63067000
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (SKO63067000)
Catalogue title (original)
1976 Seiko Turtle Diver (Ref. 6306-7000) "JDM" (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number SKO63067000), this is a wristwatch by Seiko, made in Japan, dated 1976. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 45 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

The Seiko 6306-7000 is a short-lived and highly collectable variant of Seiko’s third-generation professional diver, produced exclusively for the Japanese Domestic Market in 1976. Manufactured for an extremely brief period, only several months in 1976, before being replaced with the 6306-7001, it stands as one of the more elusive executions within the Turtle lineage. Often regarded as the refined counterpart to export models like the 6309, the 6306 is fitted with an upgraded automatic movement featuring hacking seconds and a higher jewel count—subtle but meaningful enhancements that set it apart for collectors. Housed in the classic “Turtle” case, the watch measures 45mm in diameter, 48mm lug-to-lug, and 13mm thick, with a 22mm lug width. The case design is quintessential Seiko tool-watch: circular brushing across the top, polished flanks and caseback, and a defined mid-case line that adds visual depth. A screw-down crown positioned at 4 o’clock ensures both water resistance and comfort on the wrist. Additional details include a double-row knurled bezel for improved grip, a bold and highly legible handset, and a quick-set day/date complication. Durable, functional, and purpose-built, the 6306-7000 represents a pivotal moment in Seiko’s dive watch evolution. Seiko divers of this era also carry notable cultural significance, with related models appearing on the wrists of figures like Ed Harris in The Abyss and Mick Jagger. While many examples have seen extensive use, this piece remains in excellent, original condition—an increasingly scarce find among vintage Seiko divers. SPECS Stock # SKO63067000 Brand Seiko Style Diver Model 6306-7000 Serial 67XXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Matte Black Millimeters 45 Strap Phoenix NATO Strap CASE & BRACELET The robust and large case retains strong factory dimensions, with gentle signs of use and minimal evidence of prior polishing present. The original bezel insert exhibits minor signs of use and retains the luminous pearl. The original screw-down crown is located at 4 o'clock. The case back retains all of its original factory engravings and markings in deep and legible condition. The watch comes supplied on a black Phoenix NATO strap DIAL & HANDS The matte black dial is in perfect condition, showing no damage or notable elements of age. The lume plots have taken on a charming creamy patina and show no degradation when inspected under UV light. The original lume hands have maintained a pale gray coloration and exhibit no degradation when inspected under UV light. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.

Historical context

Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)

Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.

Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology

Atlas type guide

Dive and water-resistant watches

Keeping water and dust out of a wristwatch was a long-standing challenge. Rolex's screw-down Oyster case (1926) and Omega's Marine (1932) were landmarks; in the early 1950s Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms and Rolex's Submariner defined the professional dive watch with rotating bezels for timing dives, luminous dials and high water resistance. The ISO 6425 standard (1982) later codified what a 'diver's watch' must do.

Dive watches became icons of post-war design and exploration, and their evolution — helium escape valves, ceramic bezels, saturation-diving depth ratings — records the history of underwater work.

What to look for

  • Unidirectional or bidirectional rotating bezel with minute markings.
  • Screw-down crown and case back; depth rating printed on the dial.
  • Luminous hands and markers (radium before c. 1960, tritium c. 1960–1998, then Super-LumiNova).
  • Reference numbers on the case between the lugs or inside the back.

Dating clues

  • Screw-down Oyster cases: from 1926.
  • Professional dive watches: from 1953.
  • Tritium 'T' marks on dials: c. 1960–1998.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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